Studiousness seems to come less naturally to boys as a group, than to girls. To deal with this discrepancy, Hymowitz and others concerned about men’s educational achievement would do well to focus on American high schools’ obsession with sports. With the exception of a small number of elite and private high schools, boys who read, study, do homework, and generally do well academically are viewed as geeks, nerds, and social pariahs. The heroes of our high schools are athletes—especially members of the football team. With this value system—further encouraged by the entertainment industry—is it surprising that boys do not do as well as girls and do not develop the good study habits that make for success in college?

If we are serious about helping boys do as well as we know they can, we need to begin rewarding the boys who write the best essays, who get the highest grades, who create the best art work, who are chess or debate team champions—boys who now are often labeled “sissies.” Unlike young women, young men have not been encouraged to engage in professions traditionally pursued by the opposite sex, such as teaching, nursing, or social work, which are lacking in prestige and high salaries. Nor have empathy, patience, and communication skills been encouraged. These “sissy” traits are part and parcel of the “emotional intelligence” that, according to Hymowitz, women have a lot of and is needed in so many jobs in the “knowledge economy.” School programs in conflict resolution and anti-bullying, which encourage these traits, should be expanded.

_________________"You beat a woman and drag her down a flight of stairs, pulling her hair out by the roots? You're the fourth guy taken in the NFL draft. You kill people while driving drunk? That guy's welcome. Players caught in hotel rooms with illegal drugs and prostitutes? We know they're welcome. Players accused of rape and pay the woman to go away? You lie to police, trying to cover up a murder? We're comfortable with that. You love another man? Well, now you've gone too far!" -- Dale Hansen, Dallas sports anchor for ABC local affiliate WFAA